According to a report by the US State Department, US weapons sales overseas reached a record total of $238 billion last year, driven by increased demand following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The report revealed that the US government directly negotiated $81 billion in sales, marking a significant 56% increase from the previous year. The remaining sales were made by US defense companies directly to foreign nations.
Poland, which is currently focused on expanding its military capabilities, made substantial purchases, including Apache helicopters for $12 billion, High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (Himars) for $10 billion, and M1A1 Abrams tanks for $3.75 billion. Additionally, Poland invested $4 billion in Integrated Air and Missile Defense Battle Command Systems as part of its ongoing military modernization program.
Germany spent $8.5 billion on Chinook helicopters, Bulgaria paid $1.5 billion for Stryker armored vehicles, and Norway purchased $1 billion worth of multi-mission helicopters. The Czech Republic made a significant investment of $5.6 billion in F-35 jets and munitions.
The report highlighted that arms transfers and defense trade play a crucial role in US foreign policy, with potential long-term implications for regional and global security. The decline of the Russian defense industry has also contributed to the increase in US weapons sales, as countries turn away from Russia and seek alternative suppliers.
The Biden administration has emphasized that American support to Ukraine not only strengthens national security but also boosts the domestic economy through arms sales. However, there is an increasing willingness among US lawmakers to reconsider direct support to Ukraine, with some Republicans advocating for assistance to be tied to an overhaul of US immigration policy.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg’s upcoming visit to a Lockheed Martin missile facility in Alabama aims to underscore the significance of the US defense industry to the alliance. The report also revealed that outside of Europe, South Korea invested $5 billion in F-35 jets, Australia spent $6.3 billion on C130J-30 Super Hercules planes, and Japan reached a $1 billion deal for an E-2D Hawkeye surveillance plane.
Overall, the surge in US weapons sales overseas reflects the evolving global security landscape and the increasing demand for advanced military capabilities.